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Transfer Targets: Oscar

The news has been filtering through over the past couple of days that there has been significant interest from Chelsea towards Internacional and Brazil’s midfield playmaker Oscar. Today, ESPN reported that a deal in the region of €25million has been agreed between the clubs, however that has been denied by the player himself.

What do we know about Oscar?

To begin with, his full name Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior. The 20 year old has just begun to break into the National team after impressing over the last couple of years for his club Internacional. Although not a household name, a few people will know that he is one of only two players to have ever scored a hat trick in a world cup final (His at U20s level), not a bad record to be in possession of. He has now won 6 caps for The Selecao with his only goal coming during a 4-3 defeat to Argentina. For club he has contributed with numerous goals and assists and plays a vital role within the team.

What can we expect if he is to sign?

Naturally an attacking midfielder, a traditional number 10 Oscar is capable of playing numerous roles across the midfield from central to roles to occupying wide positions. Versatility is one of his biggest strengths and will be invaluable to a Chelsea side that has shifted between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations.

Seemingly, like all Brazilians, Oscar has incredible control with the ball at his feet. His composure on the ball is well beyond his true age. He is never afraid to find space and find himself on the ball, willing to drop deeper than most would expect their number 10 to do. More importantly it is when he is on the ball that Oscar excels. His passing is precise and can split defences on a regular basis, he doesn’t fail to spot when his teammates are in a goalscoring opportunity and his reading of the game is exceptional. He also has the bonus of being able to play with both left and right foot and would fit in perfectly alongside Juan Mata and new signing Eden Hazard. Pass and move, pass and move… It is what we are told when we are young and Oscar unlike me listened to those who preached the philosophy.

One of the most overlooked attributes in footballers is there work rate and Oscar is willing to put the effort in for his team. He blends the traditional Brazilian ability with the more modern physically talented team.

Where does he fit in?

As mentioned earlier, his natural role is as an attacking midfielder but the area is one that Chelsea have no shortage of now. This is where Oscar’s versatility comes in handy. He could possibly play as one of the wingers but with Marko Marin also having been signed and Hulk possibly on his way to the Bridge I feel that Oscar’s role in the team is going to be in the two man pivot, he may well be seen as an alternative to the failed transfer of Luka Modric and at twenty, a fee of €25million and boundless potential it could well be a better alternative.

What does the expert say?

“Oscar is a versatile player, can play as an att mid, in the wings, he’s also very complete, can create chances, score goals” Paulo Freitas.

Final judgement

Oscar’s involvement with the national team speaks volumes about his talent. The fee quoted may represent a huge gamble on such a young player but he will fit into what appears to be Roman’s second revolution and could well be one if its future stars by proving that Brazilians can play in the Premier League.